A professor at the University of Central Florida, whose comments about Muslim culture created controversy, gave a speech Tuesday night in the Board of County Commissions chamber, something that is upsetting a Florida organization.

More than 130 people showed up to the monthly meeting to hear from Jonathan Matusitz, a UCF professor whose views on the Muslim culture and Jihad has upset CAIR (The Council on American-Islamic Relations) with what some call a speech full of hate.

CAIR posted a video clip to YouTube from what looks to be a UCF lecture in June.

In it, Matusitz said, Its not just a religious problem  theres a whole cultural -- its a whole political agenda, when referring to the Islamic culture.

CAIR not only is upset over what is being said, but where its being said  inside the commission's chambers.

CAIR released this statement saying, ACT! for America and Mr. Matusitz are free to spew their anti-Muslim hate in any private venue they choose, but offering them a taxpayer-funded platform creates the perception that county officials endorse their extremist views.

Historically we have not taken a stand on what types of discussion groups can or cant have in our buildings, said spokesman Don Walker, adding thats part of someones First Amendment rights.

I dont spread any hateful messages  Im just speaking the truth. Based on facts, statistics, and the reality out there, said Matusitz. I think its a good idea that our side has a meeting speaking the truth on Jihad and their side has a meeting as well, right? Its a free country.

CAIR said if ACT! can have a meeting in the county building, then they can, too, which is something they plan to organize in the next few weeks.

Historically we have not taken a stand on what types of discussion groups can or cant have in our buildings, said spokesman Don Walker, adding thats part of someones First Amendment rights.

Quite true. Lots of school building gyms and such are rented our regularly on weekends to church groups. This does not constitute an endorsement of the church as long as other groups can rent the space on the same terms.

A professor at the University of Central Florida, whose comments about Muslim culture created controversy, gave a speech Tuesday night in the Board of County Commissions chamber, something that is upsetting a Florida organization. More than 130 people showed up to the monthly meeting to hear from Jonathan Matusitz, a UCF professor

O.K. A professor at UCF spoke at the Board of County Commissioner's chamber.

CAIR posted a video clip to YouTube from what looks to be a UCF lecture in June.

Not from his speech in the chamber - a speech at another time and place. So how can they characterize his speech at the chamber? Or is it that once someone makes any statement that opposes them, they must be silenced in every venue?

CAIR released this statement saying, ACT! for America and Mr. Matusitz are free to spew their anti-Muslim hate in any private venue they choose, but offering them a taxpayer-funded platform creates the perception that county officials endorse their extremist views.

That's right. It's a taxpayer-funded platform. The fact that a taxpayer gets to use it doesn't mean that the county officials endorse their views. It means that taxpayers get to use it regardless of their views and regardless of what the county officials think of them. County officials have no business defining what's extremist and what's not.

Historically we have not taken a stand on what types of discussion groups can or cant have in our buildings, said spokesman Don Walker, adding thats part of someones First Amendment rights.

Holy crap! A public official that understands the First Amendment? I'm sure CAIR and other such groups will do their best to unseat him as soon as possible.

"Its a free country.

As opposed to the countries where Islamist regimes control the government.

CAIR said if ACT! can have a meeting in the county building, then they can, too, which is something they plan to organize in the next few weeks.

If the county can fit it into the schedule along with any previously scheduled committments they should have a perfect right to do so.

In the interests of free speech, etc. here’s what I want to see at the next Queer Pride parade: A guy wearing an asshat and baggy pants carrying a koran and leading a goat on a short rope. The goat should be wearing a white burka, (signifying virginity, of course) with lots of pink ribons and wearing a side board that looks like a one-sex marriage license.

I’d do it myself but I don’t have a goat. Maybe one of you graphic whizzes can make a cartoon out of this?

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